PUANGA EVENTS
To share an upcoming Puanga event, email the event to: info@wmrto.com
Free Sarjeant Gallery Tour
Tour the Sarjeant Gallery and its exhibitions with a staff member.
These free tours occur on the last Friday of each month at 10.30am. Meet at reception.
Free, all welcome. Bookings not required.
Crafting session: The Makery
It's Puanga, so take along your latest craft project and spend the day creating in the stunning surroundings of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery.
All ages welcome, all crafts celebrated—go make, share, and be inspired!
Free, all welcome
Digital Tivaevae Workshop: Threads of Light with Victoria Campbell
Welcome to a workshop where everyone will be creating a participatory 'community digital tivaevae' experience, inspired by collective patternmaking, storytelling, Puanga, and shared visual language.
You will be responding to the works in the exhibition He Ao Āpōpō, He Ao Tea: Māori Futures, as well as drawing on our own creative ideas.
Participants of all ages are invited to come together to create simple, symbolic paper-cut motifs/shapes connected to Puanga themes, which will be digitally transformed and woven together in real time, then transformed into a large, projected digital quilt artwork.
Free, all welcome
Illustrated talk: Edith Collier
Learn about the fascinating story of Whanganui's own early New Zealand modernist painter Edith Collier.
This talk by curator of collections Jennifer Taylor coincides with the exhibition 'Edith Collier. Local Landscapes' currently on display.
Free, all welcome
Nōna Te Ao - Puanga Talk Series
Whakatere with Toiora Hawira
Join us for a powerful kōrero with Toiora Hawira, a navigator whose journey has been shaped by the rhythms of Te Awa Tupua (the Whanganui River) and the knowledge of his tūpuna.
From paddling the awa as a child to voyaging across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), his experience is grounded in mātauranga passed down through generations and strengthened through real journeys at sea. Toiora will share how navigators read the stars, ocean swells, and seasonal markers like Puanga to find direction and mark time.
He’ll also speak to the ongoing revival of traditional navigation, including waka hourua journeys that continue to reconnect people across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
This is a rare chance to hear directly from someone living and practicing this knowledge today.
Brought to you by the Whanganui District Library.
School Holiday Programme
Puanga Tākaro Mā Pēpi
This Puanga, our children's team is out at Hakeke St Community Centre and Library for a special edition of Tākaro Mā Pēpi.
Come along and learn some waiata (songs) with your pēpi (baby) - although this session is focused at babies and toddlers, older tamariki (children) are very welcome to attend.
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
Puanga Night Market - Raetihi
Brought to you by Puanga Ki Ruapehu.
Be sure to attend a lively night celebration filled with vibrant food stalls, food trucks, handmade crafts, children's activities, and local music that brightens every Puanga Night Market.
Contact Kay and Maaki
Maaki: maakituatini@gmail.com
Holiday Programme: Make a Space
The Sarjeant Gallery art room opens its doors this Puanga. If you want to spend some responsive creative time in their beautiful classroom, nau mai haere mai. They provide the materials and the space; you just need to bring your imagination and creative flare. Go in with whanau and make together in the classroom.
Free, all welcome. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
School Holiday Programme
Puanga Manu Tukutuku Kite Art
Make your own manu tukutuku (kite) art as we celebrate Puanga and the Māori New Year.
Traditionally, because they could reach high in the sky, Māori kites are seen as a way to connect the earthly and spiritual worlds.
In the past, kites were used for many purposes, including to help people read Tāwhirimātea (god of the winds) and gauge weather patterns, communicate with neighbouring settlements, guide spirits and carry away grief, as well as just for fun!
Join us for a fun, creative session inspired by these remarkable taonga and the themes of remembrance, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
Traditional Healing Massage sessions: Rongoā: Honohono and Mirimriri
Nau mai, haere mai ki honohono a hapu!
Enter the ancient world of sound and healing. This Puanga, Whanganui rongoā practitioner Rochelle Te Kaho Bullock of Te Kōpere Rongoā, founded by her kuia, the renowned rongoā kiatohuora Olive Bullock and her whanau, will be offering traditional Māori healing sessions (mirimiri, romiromi and honohono).
This is a massage with live traditional music (taonga pūoro), a style of healing that employs the wisdom of the elders, passed down by generations of rongoā practitioners throughout Whanganui and Taranaki to be shared for the benefit of all.
Sessions include: four people per one-hour session.
Session times are: 10-11am, 11am -12pm, 12.30pm -1.30pm, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Costs: $40 per person.
Bookings: Book at the gallery (06 349 0506) or click here to book online
Te Tangi A Te Kūaka - Kūaka Shadow Puppets
Join the Alexander Heritage and Research Library for a magical, night-time storytelling experience as we follow the incredible journey of the kūaka (bar-tailed godwit), one of the world’s most remarkable migratory birds.
Tamariki will be guided to create their own kūaka shadow puppets, then settle in to hear the story of this epic flight across oceans and skies.
After the tale, it’s their turn to step into the light - bringing their kūaka to life through shadow play and imagination.
A creative, hands-on session blending storytelling, art, and performance.
Perfect for curious minds and creative tamariki.
Or email: heritage@whanganuilibrary.com
Holiday Programme: Make a Space
The Sarjeant Gallery art room opens its doors this Puanga. If you want to spend some responsive creative time in their beautiful classroom, nau mai haere mai. They provide the materials and the space; you just need to bring your imagination and creative flare. Go in with whanau and make together in the classroom.
Free, all welcome. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
School Holiday Programme
Puanga Stars
From tiny tots to tweens and teens, come and make your own Puanga stars to celebrate the season. This is a great, hands-on, way for ngā tamariki and rangatahi to learn about whetū (stars) and their significance in te ao Māori - especially around Puanga and Matariki!
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
School Holiday Programme
Koru Art
An event for all our budding artists out there! Create your own beautiful koru-inspired artwork as we celebrate Puanga and the Māori New Year. The koru, based on the unfurling fern frond, represents growth, renewal, and new beginnings. Join us for a creative session exploring this important design in toi Māori (Māori art). Let your imagination soar and create something meaningful and beautiful.
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
Artist Talk: Kirsty Lillico
Senior curator Greg Donson will be in conversation with Kirsty Lillico.
They will discuss Lillico's exhibition, "Heavy Falls," made as a result of her time as artist-in-residence at Tylee Cottage from July to November 2024.
Lillico's large-scale wall-hung and suspended works are hybrids, combining drawing, sculpture, and weaving, and informed by an interest in architecture and craft histories.
Free, all welcome
Artist Talks: He Ao Āpōpō, He Ao Tea: Māori Futures
Join curator Cecelia Kumeroa in conversation with the artists of the Puanga exhibition.
'He ao āpopō, he ao tea' is from a proverb written by Dr. Rangitakuku Metekingi of Whanganui iwi. It translates to 'tomorrow is a new day, and the new day will bring clarity'.
He Ao Āpōpō, He Ao Tea: Māori Futures artists are Kauri Hawkins, Eugene Kara, Maioha Kara, Peata Larkin, Tiopira McDowell (Mokotron), James Ormsby, Tia Ranginui, Tyrone Te Waa, Kereama Taepa, Ron Te Kawa, Saffronn Te Ratana, Nephi Tupaea, Paeheretia Collective, John Walsh and Siobhan Wooding.
Free, all welcome
He Aroha Te Aroha - Book Launch
Your Invited to He Aroha Te Aroha Book Launch!
A kaupapa developed to help whānau plan for and navigate the inevitable passing of a loved one.
Book Launch Programme
11:00 AM Mihi and karakia
11:05 AM Waiata
11.10 AM Opening kōrero
11:15 AM Kaupapa overview and acknowledgements
11:25 AM Q&A
11:30 AM Kai
12:30 PM Wānanga kōrero
2:30 PM Whakaaro whakakapi
3:00 PM Karakia whakamutunga
Kapu tī
Puanga Market - Whanganui
Brought to you by Tupoho Trust.
Tupoho Trust are excited to be hosting the annual Puanga Night Market at Rangahaua Marae as we celebrate both Puanga and Matariki while bringing together local pākihi, community organisations, kai vendors, entertainers, and whānau from across the wider Whanganui community.
This year they are also proud to be showcasing the mahi of tauira from Tawhero School through the Whai Hua programme. Through the programme, tamariki have been learning about Pākihi and developing their own business ideas and products, which they will have the opportunity to share with the community on the night. They may not have access to eftpos, so cash is king (at least for this night).
Make sure to get along for a kai, a browse, or just to sit around the firepit and have a cuppa and a catch up.
School Holiday Programme
Puanga Lanterns
Celebrate Puanga and Matariki by creating your own glowing lantern! Lanterns symbolise hope, remembrance, and new beginnings, shining light through the darkness of winter and bringing communities together. Join us for a fun, creative session inspired by the stars of the Māori New Year.
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
Nōna Te Ao - Puanga Talk Series
Rongoa Māori with Christina McMaster
Join Christina McMaster for an introduction to rongoā Māori — the traditional healing practices of te ao Māori.
This kōrero will explore the rich knowledge of native plants and their uses in healing, alongside the deeper philosophies that underpin rongoā.
Whether you’re new to rongoā or looking to deepen your understanding, this session offers a thoughtful and accessible insight into Māori approaches to wellbeing and medicine.
Brought to you by the Whanganui District Library.
Holiday Programme: Make a Space
The Sarjeant Gallery art room opens its doors this Puanga. If you want to spend some responsive creative time in their beautiful classroom, nau mai haere mai. They provide the materials and the space; you just need to bring your imagination and creative flare. Go in with whanau and make together in the classroom.
Free, all welcome. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
School Holiday Programme
Clay Ukutangi
Get messy with clay and join us for a fun morning creating your very own ukutangi (a traditional māori wind instrument) that you can learn to play and take home!
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
School Holiday Programme
Punga Star Wall Hanging
Join us for this School Holiday Programme event where you'll learn how to create your own Puanga Star Wall Hanging inspired by the night sky and the traditions of the Māori New Year.
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
School Holiday Programme
Punga Necklaces
Create your own Puanga-inspired necklace and learn about the stars, stories, and symbols of the Māori New Year.
This is a FREE event.
For more information contact jane@whanganuilibrary.com
Puanga Ki Pūtiki
As the fires are rekindled, so too are our connections to our tūpuna, our whenua, our awa, and the stars above.
E te iwi, e ngā whānau, nau mai, haere mai ki Puanga ki Pūtiki 2026, as ngā hāpori o Te Awa Tupua gather before dawn to welcome the rising of Puanga and the beginning of the New Year.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Te Taenga Mai o te Ahi
Witness the arrival of the sacred ahi from Whakaniwha, carried by waka along Te Awa Tupua and brought onto the marae in a ceremony that acknowledges the enduring fires of occupation and the unbroken whakapapa connections between our people, our maunga, our awa, and the heavens above.
Hau Tapu
Led by the tamariki of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Atihaunui-a Paparangi, this sacred dawn observance acknowledges ngā whetū, the elements, and the rising of Puanga and Matariki.
Mahu – A Ceremony of Release
All are invited to participate in a moment of reflection and renewal. Bring your thoughts, your hopes, and your intentions for the year ahead as we release the burdens of the past year together.
Kai Hākari
Following the closing karakia, everyone is warmly invited into Aotea for breakfast and fellowship.
On Arrival
At 5:45 am, please gather in one location only:
Car Park (river end beside the waka shed) to witness the waka bringing in the ahi.
Marae Ātea – to participate directly in the welcoming of the ahi onto the marae.
For safety and tikanga, please remain in your chosen location until guided by our hosts.
Bring warm clothing, a torch, and your whānau.
Puanga Events at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
WEAVING: Raranga Whakairo
A weaving demonstration by local weaving specialists with Whanganui River tribal affiliations, along with a presentation of historic images featuring some of our famous weavers from the Whanganui region.
Free, all welcome. No bookings necessary.
Contact details:
Contact: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Phone: 06 349 0506
Email: info@sarjeant.org.nz
Puanga Events at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOP: Poi Kia Mau
Session 1: 11:00am – 11:30am
A public presentation about ‘poi’ with Racquel McKenzie (Ngā Paerangi, Te Ātihaunui a Pāpārangi). Learn about the whakapapa of the poi, history, types of poi, and contemporary poi today.
Free, all welcome. No bookings necessary.
Session 2: 11:40am – 12:30pm
Following the presentation, there is the chance to take part in a poi-making workshop and waiata session with Racquel. Book your place at the Front. All materials will be supplied, and you will get to take your poi home with you.
Poi making. Closed event, limited to 20 people. Cost: $15 per person.
Contact details:
Contact: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Phone: 06 349 0506
Email: info@sarjeant.org.nz
Puanga Events at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Puanga Rising
Experience Sarjeant’s classroom as an observatory, and experience Puanga Rising in the morning sky. Various constellations will be explored, including how you might find Puanga and Te Waka o Rangi. Narratives will be discussed in a calm and meditative space, after which students will do a simple practical activity to reinforce their learning.
Please note:
This is a projection session in a dimly lit room and is required to start on time. The Sarjeant asks that you arrive early to enter, as once the door is closed, there will be no entry until the projection is complete. The projection presentation is approximately 10 - 15 minutes long.
Free, all welcome. No bookings necessary.
Session times:
10:30am – 11:30am
1:00pm – 2:00pm
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Contact details:
Contact: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Phone: 06 349 0506
Email: info@sarjeant.org.nz
Puanga Events at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Star making workshop - drop in sessions
Head along to learn about Puanga and narratives around our constellations whilst learning how to weave stars with Whaea Vanessa.
Free, all welcome. No bookings necessary.
Session times:
10:30am – 12:30am
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Contact details:
Contact: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Phone: 06 349 0506
Email: info@sarjeant.org.nz
School Holiday Programme - Week Two
Whanganui District Library - Puanga 2025
A variety of activities spread across the Davis Library, Hakeke St Library, and the Gonville Library.
Click on the link for more information about these activities: Download flyer (pdf format)
Locations:
Davis Library, 1 Pukenamu Drive Pukenamu Queens Park, Whanganui
Harakeke Library, 65 Hakeke Street, Whanganui East, Whanganui
Gonville Library, 44 Abbot Street, Gonville, Whanganui
Contact details:
Contact person: Jane Barlow
Phone: 06 349 3210
Email: Jane@whanganuilibrary.com